The picture I chose is of the sediment trap at the gas fired water heater tank. I chose this picture because it is a good explanation of where each item is on the water heater tank and it is clear and easy to read.
The issues found on this water heater were but are not limited to; non-metalic supply lines near heat source, dent in tank at top, poorly secured vent pipe to vent hood. Unit was installed in a metal cabinet designed for outdoor use, but was missing a door.
Most water heaters do not have large requirements for combustible clearances. Clearances of less than 6 inches are common. Some gas units only need 1 inch clearance. There does, however, have to be adequate working space (24 inches commonly) around the heater to service the burner and replace the heater. Doors into closets or rooms with water heaters should be wide enough to allow for removal and replacement. Locations for water heaters should also have adequate combustion air.
This picture is of a TPR valve on an electric water tank.It has the tag on it that shows the regular tpr setting at 150 psi to 210 max.psi.This picture also shows that the drain pipe does not drain directly into the drip pan.
Tankless water heaters:A tankless water heater sits idle until a hot water valve in the house is opened.as cold water passes over the heat exchanger it is warmed to a pre-set temperature ,then the water travels directly to the faucet or appliance not a storage tank.
Photo of the hot water heater show that the electric is in good condition. However, it shows that there is not a line from the TPR valve to the floor which is required for safety. This won’t need to be added to their hot water heater system.
This is a picture of a water heater flue. The flue is double walled B type, however it touches the roof deck as it passes through to the outside. This is improper clearance. Type B requires 1 inch of clearance.
On a gas fired water heater in most areas a drip leg is required after the shut off valve. The drip leg is designed to trap water or sediment from entering the gas valve at the tank. the shut off valve will allow the gas to be stopped and the leg to be cleared.
Today we have several ways to save on energy in the homes that we own as consumers. Upgrading just a few items within the home will save over the lifetime of home ownership. Examples of these are swapping the light bulbs in the house to an LED, upgrading appliances to more energy efficient, and adding ceiling fans to a home.
Ref: Photo1L
Redidential Water Heater
Photo1L shows a correctly installed electric, redidential water heater. Heater is located in a garage and is elevated. Wiring is correctly sized, seismic straps are installed, TPV is installed and operational. No leaks were detected during time of inspection.
Ref: (article) “Farther” vs. “Further” in Inspection Reports
by Nick Gromicko
The importance of grammer in business is often not at the forefront of ones priority list, though it should be.
This article, though short, does a great job of introducing a simple tool to determine the proper usage of “Further” and “Farther”.
This image shows a typical gas water heater. Some of the important things an inspector needs to check are the gas shut off valve and drip leg, the T/P relief valve, the venting, and the burner. The inspector also needs to verify the btu and fuel source for the water heater.
I chose a diagram of a typical electric water heater. From the course and the pictures showing the inside of electric and gas water heaters, I learned a bit about how a water functions, and what an inspector needs to look at, and be aware of during an inspection. A water heater can be dangerous either by creating excessive pressure or by allowing carbon monoxide into the home. A proper inspection can help prevent dangerous failures of the water heating system.
An expansion tank is a metal tank connected to a buildings water heating appliance and considerably smaller than water heaters. It is variable sizes in relation to the water volume of the hot water supply system in residential systems.
In focus, the tank should be inspected for proper location and support where it exists, corrosion and leakage as well with water heater boiler. Although not required in every jurisdiction, they are quite crucial to the successful and safe operation of residential potable water systems to protect serious risk of the explosion of a tank.
Expansion tanks are considerably smaller than water heaters, usually holding about two gallons in residential systems, although tank sizes vary in relation to the water volume of the hot water supply system they serve. The design pressure for which a tank is rated is marked on a label on the tank, commonly 150 pounds per square inch (PSI) for a residential tank.
Water tank is insulated which has voided the warranty.
Water tank information label is covered by the insulation and is not visible to the inspector.
Gas shutoff valve is installed in the appropriate place, allowing for proper drainage of sediment from the gas line.
No drip tray is present for catching any potential water leaks.
TPR valve is properly plumbed to floor with an air gap several inches from an in-floor drain.
In “Water Heater Expansion Tanks” I learned that these tanks are not required by code in every jurisdiction. This is a question I had during the training video. Although they are not required by code I does seem to be a very essential component of a household water heating system.
The water heater located in the basement of the home is found to be actively leaking onto the basement floor. Recommend that a professional plumber be contracted to come and make associated repairs to the hot water heater or replace with a new unit.
I chose an article heater expansion tanks. I learned general knowledge of the expansion tank as well as what InterNACHI inspectors are to look for. E.G. Check that water heaters are high enough above the water heater so that water will drain back down, checked for proper location and support and also for corrosion and leakage.
This is picture of an electric water heater. The water heater features an expansion tank installed the second best way, hanging upward rather than downward (best) or sideways (least). Demarcation on the label showed it was manufactured by Rheem, features a 40-gallon capacity, and was manufactured in January of 2003.
